The controversial 'Dark Brandon' meme appeared in US President Joe Biden's recent post on microblogging platform With more than 211 million views since it was shared on Sunday, Biden has sparked a wave of speculation.
The meme showing red lasers coming out of the president's eyes originated from a right-wing conspiracy theory that combined the NFL, Taylor Swift's endorsement, and the Democratic Party. “Just like we pictured,” Biden wrote in a post after the Chiefs’ recent win.
The conspiracy theory has gained attention in recent weeks, especially after reports emerged that the US president was seeking Swift's support for his possible re-election in November. The pop star, who was known for not making political endorsements early in her career, made a significant change in 2018 by endorsing Tennessee Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen in his 2018 Senate race against Republican Marsha Blackburn. In the 2020 election, Swift supported President Biden.
However, many social media users are highlighting the timing and content of this post, especially after the recent tragic events in Rafah, where a horrific attack led to numerous casualties among Palestinians. Critics argue that the timing of the meme posts, along with recent developments, are insensitive and divert attention from serious geopolitical issues.
Dozens of people, including children, were killed in “very intense” Israeli airstrikes and artillery strikes on several areas of Rafah on Monday night, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent, as international alarm over Israel's planned ground attack on the southern Gaza city increased. He died, the Palestine Red Crescent Society said.
Israeli airstrikes killed more than 100 people, with warplanes targeting several parts of the city and helicopters firing machine guns along the border area, the PRCS said Monday morning.
One user criticized. Another critic echoed: “When the Biden team posted this, Palestinians were collecting the body parts of their loved ones massacred by US-supplied bombs.”
I saw a child hanging by a bloody rope with his legs torn off from the rubble of a building that had just been bombed. I've seen vile things on this app, but to tweet this after the massacre in Rafah tonight… https://t.co/g4ZcaQZPdZ
— The North Remembers (@Vanessid) February 12, 2024
When the Biden team posted this, Palestinians were collecting the body parts of their loved ones massacred by US-supplied bombs https://t.co/8LACDljSlp
— Owen Jones (@OwenJones84) February 12, 2024
One post pointed out the timeliness of the attempt at humor, claiming, “Yeah, 'Dark Brandon' doesn't work as a joke anymore when you're directly funding the massacre of 30,000 Palestinians.” Another user who echoed these sentiments provided more context on the alleged oversight by the US Prime Minister.
“Tonight, Israeli forces launched a devastating and deadly attack on Rafah, a ‘safe zone’ where Palestinian refugees are taking refuge.” “These attacks were possible because Biden continued to send weapons to the genocidal government. In the meantime, I am also doing this.”
Tonight, Israeli forces launched a devastating and deadly attack on Rafah, a 'safe zone' where Palestinian refugees are taking refuge. This attack was possible because Biden continued to send weapons to the genocidal government.
In the meantime, he's doing this. https://t.co/i5WVPiPMMS
— Jewish Voice for Peace Action (@JvpAction) February 12, 2024
Others were forced to state the obvious, expressing disbelief that the bizarre posts actually came from Biden's account. “This is not a parody account,” said one X user. “This is an official tweet from the official account of the President of the United States while Israel announces a final solution for the 2 million trapped Palestinians.”
This is not a parody account. This is the official tweet from the US President's official account as Israel announces a final solution for the two million trapped Palestinians. https://t.co/UUWxkWC12c
— 🍉Stop Shailja Genocide Patel🍉 (@shaljapatel) February 12, 2024
Another user said: “This is a real tweet from the real Twitter account of a real US president. It was posted while an Israeli propaganda ad was airing during the US dollar-funded bombing of the last 'safe' space in Gaza. “he said. To the millions of Americans who watch the Super Bowl.”
This is an actual tweet from an actual Twitter account of an actual American president. Israeli propaganda ads posted during the last “safe” space bombing in Gaza, funded by U.S. dollars, were aired to millions of Americans watching the Super Bowl https://t.co/FJUbLUTZHE
— That's why the Grammy Award-winning album (@_lesbiannie_) February 12, 2024
It's ridiculous to post this because Israel is currently committing genocide.
— Revolutionary Blackout Network🥋 (@SocialistMMA) February 12, 2024
While demanding that Biden 'read the room', one user One post highlighted the US president's concerning use of the meme, saying: “Publishing photos like this after Israel massacred children last night sends only one message: “The world should be worried,” he said.
Huh Joe? There's a genocide happening…. Let's read the room, shall we?
— DD Geopolitics (@DD_Geopolitics) February 12, 2024
Posting photos like these after Israel massacred children last night sends only one message:
The world should be worried.
— Megatron (@Megatron_ron) February 12, 2024
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